"LOST & FOUND: Witherwood Reform School," by Obert Skye, illustrated by Keith Thompson, Henry Holt and Co., $16.99, 288 pages (f) (ages 9-12)
Utah author Obert Skye continues his tale of a brother-sister team seeking to unravel the secrets behind their mysterious school in "Lost & Found: Witherwood Reform School," which is set to be released March 1.
Tobias and Charlotte wake up in an eerie school with no idea why they are there. After discovering some clues that help them regain their memories, the brother and sister realize the heinous headmaster, Marvin Withers, has been controlling their minds and the minds of the other students. With the help of a few of their clever classmates, Tobias and Charlotte uncover several clues but end up finding more questions than answers.
The relationship between Tobias and Charlotte is endearing as they tackle the mysteries together. They have a playful and loving relationship, and Tobias is sweetly protective of his little sister.
The narration of the novel is enjoyable and includes some very clever wordplay. The narrator is quirky and unpredictable and inserts asides throughout the book, which provide comic relief to an otherwise gloomy story. There are very few ups in the tale to counteract the downs.
"Lost & Found" is the second book in Skye's Witherwood Reform School series. The reader would be able to understand the story without reading the first book, but additional history, character development and connection to the story may be obtained by reading both books.
There isn't a strong sense of closure to the story by the end of "Lost & Found" as Skye presents so many mysteries yet resolves almost none.
The book doesn't contain swearing or sexual content. The plot is slightly dark, mysterious and sometimes creepy, but the content is presented in an age-appropriate way.